Rudi Rudi Rudi…I like to say Rudi three times fast, not unlike Barney Phife.

1963 Rudi Gernreich wool knit swimsuit

And there are at least three things that you probably already know about controversial 1960s designer Rudi Gernreich.  His muse was the raccoon-eyed gamine Peggy Moffitt.  He’s the one that created the “Monokini” (think topless) swimsuit–see iconic photo of Peggy below.  He was famous for his futuristic clothing using vinyl & plastic before even Paco Rabanne.

Last week, I visited the “Sporting Life” exhibit at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in NYC (AND the jaw-dropping Daphne Guinness show).  The sporting exhibit showed both the origins of women’s athletic and swimwear (not pretty) and the influence sports have had on fashion (think duck boot Manolos).  As they point out, why do you think it is called “Sportswear”.  Imagine my delight when, among the woolen knickers and tunics, there was a Rudi Gernreich patchwork knit tanksuit, dated 1963.  As a lover of 1960s and Rudi and Courreges and the gang, I was elated to see the cool swimsuit included.  Even more exciting was the fact that we have a Rudi Gernreich dress at cV from the same 1963 collection!  I was able to assemble a few other images from that season’s lookbook.  Let’s hope that next year FIT will feature an all Rudi show…

1963 Rudi dress at cV!

1963 RG Collection

Rudi Gernreich swimsuit 1963

TIME 1967

Rudi Gernreich's Monokini

According to cV Sommelier Jenny Benzie (Founder of Pour, Sip, Savor! Sommelier Services), here are 3 Ghastly Mistakes To Avoid If You Are Hosting A Wine Tasting…

So, you’ve invited a group of friends over, everyone is bringing a bottle and you want to make sure your wine tasting event occurs without any ‘flaws.’  Below are a few mistakes to avoid if you are hosting a wine tasting event to ensure you get a ‘Gold Medal!’

Dirty glassware can cause your wine tasting event to go from ‘Brilliant’ to ‘Dull.’  Here are a few tips to ensure clean glasses:

• Don’t just pull the glasses from your cabinet or a box – they will have a stale, cardboard smell.
• Don’t wash your glasses with soapy water – this can leave a film.
• Never use a paper towel to dry your glasses – this will leave an ‘off’ odor in the glass (and lint!).
• Rinse your glasses with warm water and gently dry by hand with a polishing cloth.

How can you identify what’s in the glass with distracting smells all around you?  Here are a couple of ideas to keep your wine tasting area odor-free:

• Do not burn any candles or have plug-in air fresheners in the room.
• Ask your guests (and you!) to refrain from wearing perfume, cologne, after-shave or other scented personal products.
• Do not use chemicals or scented cleaning products on the table where you will be tasting.
• And NO SMOKING!

While some like ‘hot’ tea or ‘iced’ coffee, seldom do they like ‘warm’ white wine or ‘too cold’ red wine.  Some helpful information on correct temperatures to serve wine:

• Champagne and Sparkling wines: 41-45 degrees F
• Lighter, more delicate whites: 45-50 degrees F; Heavier white wines: 50-55 degrees F.
• Lighter style reds: 55-59 degrees F; Full-bodied reds: 59-64 degrees F

It is easier to ‘warm’ a wine by cupping the glass in your hands than it is to ‘chill’ the wine by diluting it with ice cubes (gasp!).

That’s it for the tips. I hope you’ve found them helpful.  Remember, wine tasting should be an enjoyable experience and hopefully this advice will help you in preparing your own event!

Tuesday, July 19, 2011 was a lovely day for a Garden Party.  Lilly & Pucci were present, as was most of Sconset….A grand estate, inventive cocktails, a happening DJ and models galore…all for a good cause.  As you can see from these snaps, a good time was had by all!

“Fashion in a Sconset Garden” to benefit A Safe Place.

Fashions by currentVintage + Cheryl Fudge & Peter Beaton Hats.  Many thanks to Gene Mahon of Nantucket’s Mahon About Town for fabulous photos!

At currentVintage, we love it when our customers tell us how much they have enjoyed something they bought from us–whether it is clothing, wine, cheese or home goods!  When they take the time to send us a photo, well, we’re over the moon!  Sometimes people stop in the store wearing a cV purchase, so of course, like a proud parent, we have to snap their picture.  You can see these on the cV Facebook Page, where we have an album entitled “Seen in cV”.   But for those not on facebook, we’ve compiled a little “cV Hall of Fame”…

cV on facebook

A few years ago, I was interviewed by Jen Murphy of Food & Wine magazine.  She asked me to envision several quintessential Nantucket summer occasions and suggest the perfect fashion and wine pairings–much like we do every day in the store–for FoodandWine.com.  I happily obliged and the piece was posted in June of 2009.

Two years later, currentVintage is once again featured in Food & Wine–this time in print!!  (F&W Best New Chef 2000) Amanda Lydon & Gabriel Frasca ( Straight Wharf, Provisions) were designated “Most Anticipated Opening” among a list of hotly anticipated restaurants,  for their new farm-to-table Italian eatery, Ventuno. They were kind to recommend cV as Nantucket’s  “Top Wine Store” in the July 2011 issue…

“Our friend Beth English owns currentVintage, a quirky store that sells both wine and vintage clothes. It’s sort of like chicken and waffles—until you experience it, it’s hard to believe what a great idea it is.”

It was an aw shucks moment, which led me to revisit the earlier piece…and I was delighted at how “current” it felt!  It was only two years ago, but that can be eons in the world of fashion.

Nevertheless, I thought it would be fun to update for Summer 2011.  The occasions may be the same but it’s fun to mix it up a little in what we wear AND what we drink.  The new improved list of Nantucket occasions and their 2011 “Suggested Pairings” are in PINK.  Happy Summer!

Nantucket Wine & Fashion

POSTED JUNE 23, 2009 AT 8:49PM EDT

The 16th Nantucket Film Festival took place on Nantucket Island June 22-26.

I am a Nantucket Film Festival ninja.  A 16-yr veteran.  I strategize as to how to fit in the utmost and fill in every hour of every day, from morning til midnight each year.  I pore over the festival program and pencil in my film selections for the week.  That list may then be tweaked based on Artistic Director Mystelle Brabee’s picks, and yet, it will evolve daily, based on what I hear at “Morning Coffee” and ‘the Buzz of the Fest’–Nevermind the demands of my store!

Vera Farmiga & Renn Hawkey

This year, I knew that my film time would be short, so I concentrated on the events and programs that simply could not be replicated after the Festival, such as live events, short films, and screenings with a Q & A.  As much as I hate to miss anything, there is at least the possibility of catching the missed films on TV or in NYC or from Netflix or screeners, however Late-Night Storytelling only happens once.

“Morning Coffee With…” is a series I love–a one hour opportunity to begin each day eavesdropping on an honest discussion between writers (and filmmakers/producers) about how their films came to be and where they’re going.  Each day is a different moderator (Will Conroy, John Shea, Jonathan Burkhart) and a different panel.  There is no doubt that that the highlight (and biggest celebrity) was Kevin Clash and his puppet, Elmo–or should I say Elmo and his puppeteer, Kevin Clash–there wasn’t a person in the room that did not completely melt at the first words out of his furry red mouth.  This was an instance in which I quickly updated my schedule, via the new Nantucket Film Festival app on my i-phone, to include BEING ELMO–one of the star documentaries of the fest.

Jerry Seinfeld & Co

Another see-it-here-or-not-at-all program is “In Their Shoes”–a live conversation between two people you really want to hear from.  This year featured Vera Farmiga, interviewed by Richard Corliss of TIME Magazine on Thursday,  and screenwriter Paul Haggis, interviewed by Hard Ball’s Chris Matthews on Friday.   Farmiga was lovingly presented with the NFF Compass Rose Acting Award by Joshua Leonard (Blair witch Project ), her co-star in the new film Higher Ground (in which she starred and directed).  The montage of her many roles demonstrated why TIMEOUT NY called her “This generation’s Streep”.  Listening to Paul Haggis discuss the emotions and dynamics of his conflicted characters in CRASH is exactly why I move heaven and earth to attend the NFF.  Haggis was also honored on Saturday night with the NFF Screenwriters Award and a tribute by Brian Williams, who, by the way, is funnier than all the funny people in the world combined…and so very handsome.

Speaking of funny, the most coveted ticket this year, by far, was the All Star Comedy Roundtable–JERRY SEINFELD, BEN STILLER, SETH MEYERS, COLIN QUINN & AZIZ ANSARI–wonder why?!  And they did not disappoint.  Somehow, I landed in the second row–so close, it was like being in Jerry Seinfeld’s living room.  Seth Meyers opened by saying what an honor it was to play the Nantucket High School auditorium on a Sunday afternoon.  “For a musician, it’s Carnegie Hall.  for a comedian, it’s the Nantucket High School auditorium in the daytime.”

I managed to squeeze in these and a few others…

Opening Film:   BUCK

The beautifully filmed and shared story of the real-life Horse Whisperer, Buck Brannaman, who has the rare ability to teach all horses–and people– he encounters.  This was definitely the buzz of the fest.  Astonishingly, it is made by first-time filmmaker Cindy Meehl.

http://articles.latimes.com/2011/jun/17/entertainment/la-et-buck-20110617

Closing Film:  HIGHER GROUND

The story of an overwhelmed young mother who turns to a fundamentalist community for answers, but after years of unfulfilling dogma, must find the courage to reclaim her life.  They intent was to to show a multi-dimensional religious character, which I feel they achieved, however the portrait of religion in general, was still one note.  I loved its attempt at the  complicated portrayal of religious choices and for the fact that it features 3 Broadway stars–Donna Murphy, Norbert Leo Butz and Dagmara Dominczyk!  Vera Farmiga stars and directs;  Produced by Nantucket Film Festival co-founder, Jonathan Burkhart.

Documentary:  UNRAVELED

Yet another mind-blowing tale of hubris…Marc Dreier’s $700 million Ponzi scheme was front page news–until the Madoff story broke 5 days later.  Marc Simon, a filmmaker and attorney in Mar Dreier’s firm seemed destined to film the story of his mentor.

Documentary:  BEING ELMO:  A PUPPETEER’S JOURNEY

The heartwarming  story of a dream come true against the odds.  I smiled and cried through the whole thing.

OVERHEARD…the verbal highlights of the NFF

“I said “altruistic” because I know in Nantucket you people know what that means.  If I was in Revere, I would say, ‘Yous good people’.”–Comedian Colin Quinn at All-Star Comedy roundtable

“As many shake shingles as there are on Nantucket, that’s how much I thank you.”–Vera Farmiga, on receiving the Nantucket Film Festival Compass Rose award.

“We all have a compelling story that needs to be heard…and so we do what we do.”–Amy Sultan, documentary filmmaker, TO BE HEARD (NFF Audience Award Winner)

“The last big gamble that took place here was when the architect said to the Nantucket High School wood shop class, ‘Surprise Me’.”–Brian Williams, re the oddly named Sconset Casino

“Tommy Lee Jones has a face that will hold a gallon of water–and with Paul Haggis’ writing, two gallons.”–Chris Mathews??  Not sure if he or Brian Williams or Ben Queen or John Shea said this!

“Having a writer in the family is like having an assassin in the family.”–Ben Queen, screenwriter of CARS2 at “Morning Coffee”

“If you ever write a memoir, you could sell the shit out of it.”–A Professor to Carolyn Briggs, whose autobiography later became the Vera Farmiga film Higher Ground

“People say you need to have balance in your life and a broad perspective. I’m against all these things.  I advocate for narrow and unbalanced. And that is the only possible route to becoming a comedian.”—Jerry Seinfeld, as told to the Track Gals, Boston Herald

“And if there’s a prize for festival-sponsored libations, Nantucket took it with Scholium Project white wine and homemade strawberry-basil lime rickeys.”–IndieWire, referring to wine donated by wine sponsor, currentVintage

http://www.indiewire.com/article/2011/06/27/small_and_highly_desirable_nantucket_film_festival_plays_to_its_strengths

“Elmo gets the rock star treatment in Nantucket”–Headline in the Boston Herald

http://bostonherald.com/track/inside_track/view.bg?articleid=1347804&position=1

photo compliments of Being Elmo: A Puppeteers Journey

60+ Days on the fly!

vintage finds, wine discoveries, dining, family, friends, fun

]]> http://currentvintage.com/blog/2011/04/27/where-weve-been/feed/ 0 http://currentvintage.com/blog/2010/12/12/holiday-style-when-you-care-enough-to-look-your-very-best/ http://currentvintage.com/blog/2010/12/12/holiday-style-when-you-care-enough-to-look-your-very-best/#comments Mon, 13 Dec 2010 04:20:36 +0000 admin http://currentvintage.com/blog/?p=2004

We know, we’ve been there.  The invitations are pouring in and you haven’t a clue what to wear–or even how to decipher the dress codes:

“Festive”, “Cocktail”, “Holiday Casual”…

Take a page from Teka’s style book and look right on, whether you decide to go swanky or casual or uptown or down.

cV continued to get a lot of press and was featured in a gorgeous 6-page spread in Cape Cod Life.  There were numerous trips…California, NYC, St John, France…and we launched our signature cV wines, including our 2008 currentVintage “Boschetti Vineyard” Pinot Noir.  There were wine tastings, photo shoots, and VIPs–the store practically  pulsated with energy and inspiration!

Most importantly:  I got engaged (!), then, currentVintage had its first store engagement (he proposed to her in cV!) and, our little Rosie (*star employee*) got married.

Here’s a look at a few highlights…

Our first proposal at cV!

She said "I do"! Congrats Brendan & Kate!

Rosie & Ivan got married!

Getting engaged at the Wauwinet...

...on our 8th anniversary!

11th Annual Lingerie Fishing Tournament

Wendy Schmidt & Co at Petticoat Row

Dominique Demarville of VCP!

Content at Caneel Bay

Stylist Julie Biondi (ctr) & friends

cV models in Cape Cod Life

MLK Jr Day at Glide in San Fran

B-52s Kate Pierson in cV

modeling Cheryl Fudge (who just opened a store in Santa Monica)

Actor Sarah Fraunfelder modeling for cV

Burgundy:)

Many a Grand Cru...

with LA Lifestyle Chef & "Food to Flowers" Author, Lulu Powers

Meursault & Margaux

NFF Party with Kim Corkran of Cape Air, Kate Brosnan & Tom Scott of Plum TV, Caterer Susan Warner

going to The Bazaar in LA, Pre-Grammys

La Superica in Santa Barbara

with Dan Kosta of Kosta Browne

cV Signature Wines launch at Nantucket Wine Fest

Michael Ragg of Mischief & Mayhem, Burgundy

Daffodil Day

at The Vanderbilt in Newport

When you get to that point when you are done with butter, cream and jambon persillé, consider the Indian-inflected cuisine of Via Mokis and a pint at Pickwick’s Pub.